Budget-Friendly Bourbons Recommended by Bartenders

Budget-Friendly Bourbons Recommended by Bartenders

Bourbon presents a fascinating spectrum of options, spanning from budget-friendly bottles to elusive, pricey finds. Assessing value per dollar becomes pivotal in navigating this landscape, aiming to gauge the quality and enjoyment derived relative to cost. The challenge lies in discerning whether high prices and hype translate into a worthwhile experience. Conversely, even a modestly priced bottle can disappoint if it doesn't deliver. To pinpoint bourbons that excel in value per dollar, we turned to expert bartenders. They shared their insights on which bourbons offer the best balance of quality and enjoyment for the money, guiding us through a curated list of recommendations.

Old Grand-Dad Bonded

Old Grand-Dad Bonded is aged for a minimum of four years before being bottled at 100 proof. Made from Jim Beam’s higher rye Bourbon mash bill of 63% corn, 27% rye, and 10% malted barley, it is the product of one distillery and one distiller in a single season. Old Grand-Dad Bonded ranks sixth in our List of the Most Underrated Bourbons in 2024. Buy it now!

Heaven Hill 7 Year Old Bottled in Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Heaven Hill introduced their 7-year-old Bottled-in-Bond flagship bourbon in June 2019, following the retirement of their renowned 6-year-old bourbon. This whiskey quickly gained acclaim, earning 92 points and securing the #4 spot on Whisky Advocate’s Top 20 Whiskies of 2019. Described as "explosive, bold, and buttery," it offers a rich array of flavors including honey-roasted peanuts, caramel, chocolate, corn muffins, licorice, and cinnamon. Notes of savory herbs, cloves, white pepper, tobacco, and earthiness add complexity, while well-integrated oak, sweetness, and spice deliver balance and length. Praised for its exceptional quality and approachable price, this bourbon offers pure bliss to whiskey enthusiasts. Buy it now!

Buffalo Trace

The Buffalo Trace, a venerable name in the bourbon world, hails from the eponymous distillery in Kentucky and is revered for its rich history and exceptional craftsmanship. As a Kentucky straight bourbon, Buffalo Trace is meticulously crafted from a mashbill of corn, rye, and barley and aged in new charred oak barrels. Known for its approachable yet complex profile, this whiskey offers notes of toffee, vanilla, and a hint of spice, creating a well-balanced and smooth sipping experience. What sets Buffalo Trace apart is its reputation for consistency and quality, making it a favorite among both casual drinkers and seasoned bourbon aficionados alike. The distillery's commitment to tradition and innovation has solidified Buffalo Trace as a cornerstone in the world of American whiskey. Buy it now for $28.99.

Bib & Tucker 6-Year Bourbon

Embracing the Bib & Tucker trend in 2024 is a wise choice. This acclaimed small-batch bourbon, a recipient of multiple awards, has been meticulously aged for at least six years in new, charred American oak barrels. The aging process imparts a remarkable depth and complexity to the whiskey, evident in its enticing aroma of vanilla, wood, and subtle wintry spices. Upon sipping, one can expect a rich palate featuring notes of candied pecans, vanilla beans, charred wood, and indulgent toffee, culminating in a truly memorable drinking experience. Buy it now!

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Eagle Rare 10 Year Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey undergoes a minimum ten-year maturation in new, American oak casks, developing a golden honey hue and enticing aromas of gentle toast, fresh tobacco, and bananas. On the palate, flavors of chocolate, almonds, melons, raisins, and dried fruits are accented by subtle vanilla undertones. The finish is enduring and robust, with lingering hints of roasted nuts and corn. Buy it now!

New Riff Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

New Riff Distilling's core Bourbon expression is a robust and high-rye whiskey that delivers a full-bodied and savory character with a touch of spice. Adhering to the high standards set by America's 1897 Bottled-in-Bond Act, this bourbon is crafted without chill filtration, ensuring a premium and unadulterated experience. The mash bill features non-GMO grains, including 65% corn, 30% rye, and 5% malted barley, offering a unique take on Kentucky's esteemed whiskey traditions. Aged for four years in 53-gallon toasted and charred new oak barrels, New Riff Bourbon reflects a commitment to quality without any shortcuts in the production process. Buy it now!

Woodford Reserve Bourbon

Woodford Reserve stands out among classic bourbons for its rich and complex flavor profile, making it a versatile choice for cocktails. While it shares the sweet characteristics of other bourbons like Buffalo Trace and Elijah Craig, Woodford Reserve boasts deeper, more indulgent notes of dried fruit, toffee, and dark chocolate. Additionally, it offers a unique balance of leathery, tobacco-spice undertones alongside complex citrus flavors of oranges and lemon. While it excels in cocktails like the Old Fashioned, Woodford Reserve also lends itself to creative twists like the New York Sour, where its mature flavors harmonize beautifully with dry red wine. By selecting a wine that complements either the sweet and fruity or leathery, spicy notes of the bourbon, you can tailor the cocktail to your taste preferences and create a truly memorable drinking experience. Buy it now for $33.99.

Evan Williams

This bourbon from Heaven Hill delivers a perfect balance of corn sweetness and oak depth, complemented by a subtle hint of mint that adds a refreshing touch without overwhelming the senses. Aged for extra years in the barrel, it boasts a smoother character that makes it ideal for savoring neat or over ice. Buy it now for $19.99!

Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon Whiskey

Old Forester holds a distinctive position as one of the select distilleries granted a special permit to continue production during Prohibition. In the 1920s, Owsley Brown I, then the company president, laid down a barrel sample that had been batched at the onset of this historical period. This expression is a tribute to that specific barrel sample, crafted to celebrate the uninterrupted legacy of whiskey distillation by the company. Bottled at a robust 115 proof, the whiskey reveals a nose characterized by potent notes of cherry jam and oak spice. The palate offers a delightful interplay of caramel, malty nutty flavors, and spices interwoven with cedar undertones. The finish is elegantly prolonged, leaving a lingering hint of campfire marshmallows—a testament to the enduring craftsmanship and heritage of Old Forester. Buy now for $64.99.

Larceny Small Batch 

The Larceny Kentucky Straight Bourbon, steeped in historical legacy, traces its roots back to John E. Fitzgerald, a post-Civil War distiller who founded a distillery along the Kentucky River. Fitzgerald's Old Fitzgerald Bourbon, renowned for its quality, eventually landed in the hands of Julian P. "Pappy" Van Winkle, sealing its fate as one of the world's most celebrated bourbons. Larceny pays homage to Fitzgerald's discerning taste and the Old Fitzgerald brand, incorporating a unique mash of corn, wheat, malted barley, and rye. Distilled in Kentucky limestone water and fermented with a proprietary yeast strain, Larceny honors tradition by choosing wheat as its secondary grain, creating a distinctive and flavorful bourbon. Buy it now for $30.99.